BOBBY Ray Parks scored National University’s final five points to lead the Bulldogs to a 70-67 victory over University of Perpetual Help, 70-67, on the birthday of his late father on Tuesday in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Luzon-Metro Manila qualifiers in Tanauan City.
Parks scored a team-high 24 points and joined forces with Robin Rono for an 8-3 run that sealed the victory and a place in the next phase of the qualifiers where they will face University of the East.
The win was special for Parks as he dedicated his game to his father and seven-time PBA Best Import Bobby Parks, who died of lung cancer earlier this year. The elder Parks would have turned 52 on Tuesday.
Parks wrote on his Instagram account after the game: “Happy birthday dad!,I know you looking after me,up in heaven..I just want to say that I really miss you,every game I dedicate to you,every decision I based upon the lessons and wisdom you gave me..I love you so much D..ill always be Jr.”
The Bulldogs will next face the Red Warriors, who beat University of Batangas, 81-60, earlier in the day to stay alive in the stepladder playoff. The game will be held on Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Altas were leading 64-62 when Rono hit the go-ahead three before Parks extended the advantage to 68-64.
After Juneric Baloria hit two free throws to trim the deficit to only two points, Joel Jolangcob missed a game-tying free throw while Earl Thompson couldn’t convert on the potential go-ahead putback with Perpetual Help only down by 67-68. Parks clinched the win with two charity shots.
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